[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Purāṇas](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana) › [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda) › [English (machine translation)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt) › 4.16 # Skandapurana 4.16 English (machine translation) 4.16 - **Language:** English ### [4.16.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4) The two gaṇas said: / 'O Śivaśarman of great intellect, this is the marvelous realm of Śukra. / Here dwells Kavi, the guru of the dānavas and daityas, / who, having inhaled the smoke of chaff, exceedingly unbearable, for a thousand years, / obtained from Hara the great vidyā that revives the dead. / Even the preceptor of the gods does not know this exceedingly difficult vidyā, / except for the Conqueror of Death, Skanda, Pārvatī, and the elephant-faced god.' / Śivaśarman said: / 'Who is this one known as Śukra, whose unexcelled realm this is? / And how was the vidyā that revives the dead obtained by him from Hara? ### [4.16.4\_1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_1) Tell this, O two lordly gods, if you have affection for me.' ### [4.16.4\_2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_2) Then those two gods related the supreme story of Śukra, ### [4.16.4\_3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_3) hearing which with faith, people are freed from untimely deaths, ### [4.16.4\_4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_4) and no fear arises from bhūtas, pretas, or piśācas. ### [4.16.4\_5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_5) When a battle was taking place between Andhaka and the enemy of Andhaka, ### [4.16.4\_6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_6) the leaders of the impenetrable mountain battle-array and diamond battle-array, ### [4.16.4\_7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_7) then Andhaka, withdrawing from the battle, came into the presence of Śukra ### [4.16.4\_8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_8) and, having stepped down from his chariot, spoke as follows: ### [4.16.4\_9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_9) 'O venerable one, having taken refuge in you, we consider the gods and their followers, ### [4.16.4\_10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_10) even those beginning with Rudra and Upendra, as equal to blades of grass. ### [4.16.4\_11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_11) As elephants fear lions, as snakes fear Garuḍas, ### [4.16.4\_12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_12) the gods fear us, O guru, through your grace. ### [4.16.4\_13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_13) The daityas and dānavas entered the impenetrable diamond battle-array, ### [4.16.4\_14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_14) scattering the army of the pramathas, like those tormented by heat enter a lake. ### [4.16.4\_15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_15) Having taken refuge in you, standing firm like mountains, ### [4.16.4\_16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_16) we roam fearlessly in the great battle, O foremost of brahmins. ### [4.16.4\_17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_17) And with devotion as your own people, we, together with our wives and sons, ### [4.16.4\_18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_18) serve your bliss-bestowing feet day and night. ### [4.16.4\_19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_19) Protect completely those who have sought refuge, O gracious brahmin! / Behold Huṇḍa and Tuhuṇḍa, Kujambha and Jambha, ### [4.16.4\_20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_20) Behold Huṇḍa, and Tuhuṇḍa, Kujambha, and Jambha! ### [4.16.4\_21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_21) Pāka and Kārtasvana, Vipāka, Pākahārin, ### [4.16.4\_22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_22) and that Candradamana, the hero who tears apart heroic immortals, ### [4.16.4\_23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_23) overcome by the pramathas of terrible prowess who crush death itself, ### [4.16.4\_24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_24) slain and fallen like sandalwood trees by Southerners. ### [4.16.4\_25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_25) The excellent vidyā that was acquired by you formerly after inhaling the smoke of chaff for a thousand autumns— ### [4.16.4\_26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_26) the time for it has now arrived. ### [4.16.4\_27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_27) Now let that fruit of your vidyā revive the daityas; ### [4.16.4\_28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_28) let all the pramathas see these \[warriors\] revived by you.' ### [4.16.4\_29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_29) Having heard these words of Andhaka, the sage Bhārgava of firm intellect, ### [4.16.4\_30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_30) smiling slightly then, said to the lord of the dānavas: ### [4.16.4\_31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_31) 'O lord of dānavas, everything spoken by you is true. ### [4.16.4\_32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_32) Indeed, this acquisition of the vidyā was accomplished by me for the sake of the dānavas. ### [4.16.4\_33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_33) Having inhaled the smoke of chaff, exceedingly unbearable, for a thousand years, ### [4.16.4\_34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_34) this vidyā bringing happiness to kinsmen was obtained from Īśvara. ### [4.16.4\_35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_35) With this vidyā, I shall raise those crushed in battle by the pramathas, ### [4.16.4\_36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_36) as a raincloud raises withered grains. ### [4.16.4\_37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_37) Without wounds, free from sickness, healthy, as if having merely slept, risen again— ### [4.16.4\_38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_38) in this very moment you will see the dānavas risen, O king!' ### [4.16.4\_39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_39) Having spoken thus to the lord of the dānavas, Kavi recited the vidyā. ### [4.16.4\_40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_40) Designating each daitya one by one, they arose bearing their weapons, ### [4.16.4\_41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_41) like the Vedas constantly recited, or like rainclouds in the proper season, ### [4.16.4\_42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_42) or like wealth given with faith to brahmins in great calamity. ### [4.16.4\_43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_43) Seeing those great asuras, Tuhuṇḍa and the others, revived, ### [4.16.4\_44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_44) those elder gods roared like clouds filled with water. ### [4.16.4\_45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_45) Seeing those dānavas revived by Śukra, the lords of the gaṇas, ### [4.16.4\_46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_46) saying, 'This must indeed be reported to the Lord of Gods,' spoke thus to one another. ### [4.16.4\_47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_47) While that wondrous sacrifice of battle of the lords of pramathas was thus proceeding, ### [4.16.4\_48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_48) the son of Śilāda, indignant upon seeing the deed of Bhārgava, approached Maheśvara. ### [4.16.4\_49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_49) And saying 'Victory!', Nandī, radiant like gold, spoke to the fierce Source of Victory: ### [4.16.4\_50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_50) 'O God, that exploit in battle of the gaṇa leaders, which is difficult even for the gods led by Indra, ### [4.16.4\_51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_51) has today been rendered futile for us by Bhārgava, by reviving those enemies dead in battle!' ### [4.16.4\_52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_52) Reciting the spell that gives life to the dead, one by one, with ease, O Lord! 4.1.16.30 ### [4.16.4\_53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_53) The great lords of asuras—Tuhuṇḍa, Huṇḍa and the others, Jambha, Jambhavipāka, Pāka and the rest— ### [4.16.4\_54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_54) having returned today from the abode of Yama, now wander about scattering the pramathas! 31 ### [4.16.4\_55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_55) If he continues to revive those struck-down foremost daityas again and again here, ### [4.16.4\_56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_56) how will there be victory for us, O Maheśa? From where can there be peace for the lords of the gaṇas? 32 ### [4.16.4\_57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_57) Addressed thus by Nandin, lord of the pramathas, the Lord of the pramatha-lords, ### [4.16.4\_58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_58) the God, smiling, then said to Nandin, king of all the lords of the gaṇas: 33 ### [4.16.4\_59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_59) “Nandin, go forth with supreme haste, snatch the best of twice-born lords from the midst of the sons of Diti, ### [4.16.4\_60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_60) and bring him here swiftly, just as a hawk carries off a quail chick!” 34 ### [4.16.4\_61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_61) Addressed in this manner by the bull-bannered \[Śiva\], Nandin, whose roar was like a bull’s and a lion’s, roared; ### [4.16.4\_62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_62) and swiftly plunging into the army, he went to where the beacon of the Bhṛgu race was. 35 ### [4.16.4\_63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_63) Though he was guarded by all the sons of Diti, holding nooses, swords, trees, stones, and mountains in hand, ### [4.16.4\_64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_64) that mighty Nandin threw the daityas into turmoil and seized Kāvya, like a śarabha \[seizing\] an elephant. 36 ### [4.16.4\_65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_65) His clothes falling, his ornaments slipping off, his hair unbound, grasped by the mighty one, ### [4.16.4\_66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_66) the enemies of the gods followed, shouting lion-like roars, intent on rescuing him. 37 ### [4.16.4\_67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_67) Of thunderbolts, tridents, swords, axes, formidable discus-missiles, stones, and missiles of shaking, ### [4.16.4\_68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_68) the lords of the dānavas poured a fierce shower upon Nandīśvara, like clouds \[raining down\]. 38 ### [4.16.4\_69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_69) Having seized that descendant of Bhṛgu, the king of the gaṇas burned hundreds of weapons with the fire from his mouth, ### [4.16.4\_70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_70) and as the battle between asuras and gods raged on, having afflicted the enemy's army, he arrived at Bhava’s side. 39 ### [4.16.4\_71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_71) “Here is that Śukra, O Lord!”—thus he promptly announced to Bhava; ### [4.16.4\_72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_72) and the God of gods took Śukra, like an offering presented by a pure person. 4.1.16.40 ### [4.16.4\_73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_73) Saying nothing at all, the guardian of the spirits tossed the foremost of sages into his mouth like a fruit; ### [4.16.4\_74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_74) and a loud cry of ‘alas, alas!’ was raised exceedingly by all those asuras, ‘Ha! Ha! Ha!’ 41 ### [4.16.4\_75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_75) When Kāvya was swallowed by the Lord of the daughter of the mountain, the daityas were left devoid of hope of victory, ### [4.16.4\_76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_76) like lordly elephants deprived of their trunks, or bulls deprived of their horns; 42 ### [4.16.4\_77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_77) like crowds of embodied souls deprived of bodies, or brahmins devoid of study; / like virtues of goodness lacking exertion, or efforts devoid of good fortune; 43 ### [4.16.4\_78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_78) \[as above\] ### [4.16.4\_79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_79) like women deprived of a husband, or showers of arrows lacking feathers; / like lifespans devoid of merits, or sacred learnings lacking good conduct; 44 ### [4.16.4\_80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_80) \[as above\] ### [4.16.4\_81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_81) just as multiple actions are devoid of their results without the single power of royal majesty, ### [4.16.4\_82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_82) even so, without that single foremost among the twice-born, the daityas turned away from any hope of victory. 45 ### [4.16.4\_83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_83) When Śukra was carried away by Nandin and swallowed by the consumer of poison, ### [4.16.4\_84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_84) the daityas fell into dejection, their joy for battle failing them. 46 ### [4.16.4\_85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_85) Seeing them drained of enthusiasm, Andhaka addressed them: ### [4.16.4\_86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_86) “We have been deceived by Nandin, who carried off the poet through sheer prowess! 47 ### [4.16.4\_87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_87) Our life-breaths have been stolen today by him without \[taking\] our bodies! ### [4.16.4\_88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_88) Steadfastness, vigor, course of action, fame, courage, splendor, and valor— 48 ### [4.16.4\_89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_89) all has been taken from us at once, when that one descendant of Bhṛgu was seized! ### [4.16.4\_90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_90) Fie on us, by whom that one best of the lineage, worshipful to the family, ### [4.16.4\_91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_91) the guru, fully capable in all matters, the protector, was not protected in adversity! 49 ### [4.16.4\_92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_92) Therefore, taking hold of steadfastness here, fight with the enemies! ### [4.16.4\_93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_93) I shall destroy all the pramathas along with Nandin! 4.1.16.50 ### [4.16.4\_94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_94) Today, slaying these helpless ones together with the gods and Indra, ### [4.16.4\_95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_95) I shall release the descendant of Bhṛgu, as a yogin releases the soul from karma! 51 ### [4.16.4\_96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_96) And may that master, being a yogin himself through yoga, ### [4.16.4\_97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_97) come forth from his body, preserved by our fury!” 52 ### [4.16.4\_98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_98) Hearing these words of Andhaka, the dānavas, sounding like thunder-clouds, ### [4.16.4\_99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_99) tormented the pramathas, having resolved upon death: 53 ### [4.16.4\_100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_100) “As long as lifespan remains, the pramathas could never prevail over us by force; ### [4.16.4\_101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_101) and when lifespan is exhausted, what is gained by fleeing and abandoning one's master in battle? 54 ### [4.16.4\_102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_102) Those who, treasuring honor, abandon their master in battle, ### [4.16.4\_103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_103) they assuredly go to the abode of Blind Darkness (Andhatāmisra). 55 ### [4.16.4\_104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_104) Staining their renown greatly with the darkness of infamy, ### [4.16.4\_105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_105) those routed from the battlefield could not find happiness in this world or the next! 56 ### [4.16.4\_106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_106) What need of gifts? What need of austerities? What need of immersions in sacred fords, ### [4.16.4\_107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_107) if one has bathed in the sacred ford of the earth, which removes the defilement of rebirth?” 57 ### [4.16.4\_108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_108) Deliberating thus among themselves, those daityas and dānujas ### [4.16.4\_109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_109) crushed the pramathas in battle, beating their war-drums; 58 ### [4.16.4\_110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_110) there, with torrents of arrows, swords, thunderbolts, and rocky crags, ### [4.16.4\_111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_111) with bhuśuṇḍīs, bhindipālas, spears, bhalla arrows, and axes. 59 ### [4.16.4\_112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_112) with skull-topped clubs, spears, tridents, bludgeons, and heavy pestles in abundance, ### [4.16.4\_113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_113) striking one another, they wrought a great slaughter. ### [4.16.4\_114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_114) There arose the twang of drawn bows and the sound of falling arrows, ### [4.16.4\_115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_115) of slings and bhuśuṇḍi-missiles, and of war-cries. ### [4.16.4\_116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_116) With the blare of war-trumpets and the frequent trumpeting of elephants, ### [4.16.4\_117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_117) and the neighing of horses, a tremendous uproar arose. ### [4.16.4\_118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_118) The space between heaven and earth was filled with echoes, ### [4.16.4\_119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_119) and both the fearless and the fearful had their hair stand on end. ### [4.16.4\_120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_120) Their grasp on weapons loosening amidst the loud cries of elephants and horses, ### [4.16.4\_121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_121) their banners and flags shattered, their weapons exhausted, ### [4.16.4\_122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_122) variegated with gouts of blood, their horses, elephants, and chariots destroyed, ### [4.16.4\_123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_123) the thirsty armies fainted on both sides. ### [4.16.4\_124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_124) Seeing his army being broken on all sides by the Pramathas, ### [4.16.4\_125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_125) Andhaka himself mounted his chariot and rushed against the Gaṇas. ### [4.16.4\_126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_126) Under those strikes of his thunderbolt-like arrows, as mountains struck by lightning-bolts, ### [4.16.4\_127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_127) the Pramathas could not hold their ground, like waterless clouds before the winds. ### [4.16.4\_128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_128) Observing each one retreating, advancing, far away, or near at hand, ### [4.16.4\_129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_129) Andhaka then pierced each of them with as many arrows as the number of his body hairs. ### [4.16.4\_130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_130) By Vināyaka, Skanda, Nandin, Somanandin, ### [4.16.4\_131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_131) Naigameya, Śākha, and the mighty Viśākha, ### [4.16.4\_132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_132) and by other fierce Gaṇas like these, even Andhaka was blinded \[by fury\], ### [4.16.4\_133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_133) as they showered down torrents of tridents, javelins, and volleys of arrows. ### [4.16.4\_134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_134) Then an uproar arose between the armies of the Pramathas and the Asuras. ### [4.16.4\_135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_135) At that tremendous sound, Śukra, who was inside Śambhu's belly, ### [4.16.4\_136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_136) wandering about searching for an opening, homeless like the wind, ### [4.16.4\_137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_137) beheld the seven worlds together with their guardians within Rudra's body. ### [4.16.4\_138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_138) He saw the manifold realms of Brahmā, Nārāyaṇa, and Indra, and of the suns and the water-gods, ### [4.16.4\_139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_139) as well as the battle between the Pramathas and the Asuras. ### [4.16.4\_140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_140) Wandering all around within Bhava's belly for a hundred years, ### [4.16.4\_141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_141) he found no opening in him, just as a wicked man finds no flaw in an honest one. ### [4.16.4\_142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_142) Then, through the yoga of Śambhu, the descendant of Bhṛgu in the form of semen ### [4.16.4\_143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_143) fell forth and bowed low; then the god spoke to him: ### [4.16.4\_144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_144) “Since you came forth like semen (śukra), O son of Bhṛgu, ### [4.16.4\_145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_145) by this act you are Śukra, and you are my son; now depart.” ### [4.16.4\_146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_146) When Śukra emerged from his belly, the god too rejoiced greatly: ### [4.16.4\_147](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_147) “It has turned out well for me while wandering, that the twice-born did not die in my belly.” ### [4.16.4\_148](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_148) Having been spoken to thus by the god, Śukra, radiant like the sun, ### [4.16.4\_149](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_149) entered the Dānava host like the moon entering a bank of clouds. ### [4.16.4\_150](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_150) That great ocean of the Dānavas felt joy at Śukra's rising, ### [4.16.4\_151](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_151) just as the great ocean garlanded with waves rejoices at the rising of the moon. ### [4.16.4\_152](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_152) While the great battle between Andhaka and the slayer of Andhaka was going on, ### [4.16.4\_153](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_153) in this way that descendant of Bhṛgu came to be named Śukra. ### [4.16.4\_154](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_154) How he obtained that supreme secret knowledge that revives the dead (mṛtasaṃjīvanī) ### [4.16.4\_155](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_155) by Śambhu's grace, hear that, O one of good vows. ### [4.16.4\_156](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_156) The two Gaṇas said: ### [4.16.4\_157](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_157) In ancient times, this heir of Bhṛgu, having gone to the city of Vārāṇasī, ### [4.16.4\_158](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_158) which grants the highest destination to egg-born, sweat-born, plant, and womb-born beings, ### [4.16.4\_159](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_159) installed a liṅga of glorious Śambhu, dug a well before it, ### [4.16.4\_160](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_160) and performed austerity for a long time, meditating on Lord Viśveśvara. ### [4.16.4\_161](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_161) With royal campaka, dhattūra, red oleander, and blue water-lilies, ### [4.16.4\_162](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_162) with mālatī and karṇikāra, kadamba, bakula, and night-lotuses, ### [4.16.4\_163](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_163) with mallikā jasmine and hundred-petaled lotuses, sinduvāra and kiṃśuka, ### [4.16.4\_164](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_164) with aśoka, karuṇa flowers, punnāga, and nāgakesara, ### [4.16.4\_165](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_165) with kṣudrā, mādhavī creepers, pāṭalā, bilva, and campaka, ### [4.16.4\_166](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_166) with fresh jasmine, vicikila, kunda, and mucukunda, ### [4.16.4\_167](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_167) with mandāra, bilva leaves, droṇa, marubaka, and baka, ### [4.16.4\_168](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_168) with granthiparṇa, damanaka, and heavenly fragrant mango shoots, ### [4.16.4\_169](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_169) with tulasī, devagandhārī, broad leaves, and sprouts of kuśa grass, ### [4.16.4\_170](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_170) with nadyāvarta, agastya, śāla, and deodar trees, ### [4.16.4\_171](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_171) with kāñcanāra, kurabaka, shoots of dūrvā grass, and kuraṇṭaka— ### [4.16.4\_172](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_172) With each of these flowers, with sprouts, and with other ### [4.16.4\_173](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_173) leaves by the hundreds of thousands, he worshipped Śaṃkara. ### [4.16.4\_174](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_174) With pañcāmṛta measured by droṇas, a hundred thousand times, with great effort, ### [4.16.4\_175](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_175) he bathed the Lord of Gods with many fragrant ceremonial baths. ### [4.16.4\_176](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_176) A thousand times, the Lord of Gods with sandalpastes and yakṣa-kardama \[ointments\]— ### [4.16.4\_177](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_177) he anointed the Lord of Gods, followed by fragrant rubbings. ### [4.16.4\_178](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_178) With offerings of song and dance, and with many hymns proclaimed in the Vedas, ### [4.16.4\_179](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_179) and with other thousands of names and hymns of praise, he extolled Śaṃkara. ### [4.16.4\_180](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_180) Thus worshipping for five thousand autumns, Śukra, ### [4.16.4\_181](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_181) when he did not see the god inclined in the least toward granting a boon, ### [4.16.4\_182](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_182) then undertook another dreadful, exceedingly unbearable observance. ### [4.16.4\_183](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_183) Having washed away entirely the great impurity of the mind called fickleness ### [4.16.4\_184](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_184) with the waters of meditation repeatedly, together with the senses, ### [4.16.4\_185](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_185) and making that jewel of the mind pure, offering it to the Wielder of Pināka, ### [4.16.4\_186](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_186) the sage drank a stream of grain-husk smoke for a thousand autumns. ### [4.16.4\_187](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_187) Then the god was pleased with the great-souled Bhārgava. ### [4.16.4\_188](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_188) Emerging from that liṅga, surpassing the splendour of a thousand suns, ### [4.16.4\_189](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_189) Virūpākṣa, the husband of Dākṣāyaṇī in bodily form, spoke: ### [4.16.4\_190](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_190) “O treasury of austerity, I am pleased; choose a boon, O Bhārgava!” ### [4.16.4\_191](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_191) Hearing this speech of Śambhu, the lotus-eyed twice-born, ### [4.16.4\_192](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_192) his body bristling with horripilation from a surging abundance of bliss, ### [4.16.4\_193](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_193) delighted, the corners of his eyes wide open, praised the eight-formed god, ### [4.16.4\_194](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_194) placing his folded hands upon his head and crying, “Victory, victory!” ### [4.16.4\_195](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_195) Bhārgava said: ### [4.16.4\_196](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_196) “Overcoming all darkness with these rays of yours, you bring an end to the desires of the night-roamers; / you shine in the sky as a jewel for the welfare of the three worlds, O Lord of the Universe, therefore homage to you! ### [4.16.4\_197](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_197) You shine as a jewel in the sky for the benefit of the three worlds, O Lord of the Universe, therefore homage to you! ### [4.16.4\_198](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_198) With your exceedingly boundless, great splendours, you create boundless joy for the night-lotuses, like an ocean; / having dispelled all darkness, O cool-rayed moon, filled with an abundance of nectar, homage to you! ### [4.16.4\_199](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16.4_199) By whom all darkness is dispelled, who have pure light, cool-rayed, filled with a flood of nectar, therefore homage to you! _First 200 of 261 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16)_ ## Linked texts (1) - [Skandapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.4.16.4) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.4.16) · Pramāṇa